We’ve all heard about ice hotels and decked out glamping igloos, but this winter we’ve got our birthday bucket list goals set on the world’s first ice hotel to be open year-round. What’s more birthday worthy than heading to Sweden to chase the Northern Lights, sleep in an igloo filled with ice sculptures, and sip on one of thousands of icy cocktails at the Icehotel 365?!
This gorgeous, icy enclave of luxury igloo suites set in a small Swedish village emphasizes art, architecture, snow sports, and the joys of getting far outside your (typically warm) comfort zone. So go ahead and add some winter furs and puffy coats to your birthday wishlist, because it’s about to drop below zero.
Photography by Icehotel 365
The Scoop
Built in only five months’ time with a mix of snow and ice (eloquently dubbed “snice"), this spot was hand hewn by a combination of artists, architects, and visionaries. One of many Icehotel properties, this is the first of its kind to be open 365 days a year. And yes, that means it’s cold year-round. Freezing, actually. Also means you can celebrate a winter-theme birthday bash in the middle of summer!
Design Deets
While the hotel continues to expand, there are currently about twenty two suites that are a mix of icy dens and warm chalets. Twelve of the suites are artist-designed, each unique and filled with cool ice sculptures, sculpted frozen furniture, and luxe fur bedding.
Bonus points: the whole complex is run on solar panels, making this location energy efficient around the clock. Sustainability is priority number one around here, an approach you’ll really appreciate when you step foot onto the stunning grounds.
The Town & Northern Lights
Set just about 125 miles from the Arctic Circle, this Swedish hotel is built on what was once an ice storage facility. Located in the charming village of Jukkasjärvi, there’s easy access to the wild Torne River and guests can expect 100 days straight of summer sunshine when the sun doesn’t set.
Activity Life
When you’re not chasing the colorful explosions of the Galaxy, try taking up ice sculpting, dog sledding, or ice fishing. For the hiking and skiing aficionados out there, this place is made for you. And if you’re looking for the thrill of an ice bath plunge, river rafting and swimming is actually an option.
As for those folks who literally just want to chill for their Swedish birthday extravaganza, check out the bar with a menu of 27k cocktails on the rocks. Finish the day off with a Scandinavian style sauna sesh and you’ll be living like the locals in no time.
What’s more b-day blissful than an overwhelming amount of sunshine? During the fall season, guests can experience the beautiful Aurora Borealis. From as early as September, the forests take on cascades of yellow, orange, and red tones as the air crisps accordingly. So go ahead and chase the Northern Lights for a birthday bash you’ll never, ever forget. We know you want to.
Credits
Venue + Photos: Icehotel 365
